Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Henry Tang expressed anger and regret over the decision by the Swiss Government to stand by their decree and to continue to impose unreasonable conditions for Hong Kong exhibitors at the World Jewellery and Watch Fair 2003 in Basel.

"I am most disappointed by the Swiss Government's decision notwithstanding our strong representation. Our delegates have already taken precautionary health measures and have expressed willingness to cooperate further with the Swiss authorities."

Mr Tang regrets that the Swiss decision is going to hurt the longstanding bilateral economic relationship between Hong Kong and Switzerland.

The Swiss Federal Council decreed that there will be no "employment or engagement" of people who have visited Hong Kong in the show, owing to the atypical pneumonia outbreak.